By Jaëlle Deslauriers, Communications Advisor(Ottawa)

In a world where everything is fast-paced, working hours are long and family time is precious, it's sometimes difficult to make the time for personal well‑being.

For the civilian and military staff of the Department of Defence, including Director Casualty Support Management (DCSM) employees, who work at 285 Coventry Road, health development and promotion are built right into their daily schedule.

A small group of people had an idea to inject more dynamism into their working group and bring the entire staff on board. Their idea blossomed into the "Coventry Initiative" just over a year ago. After the CF Health and Physical Fitness Strategy was launched, the initiative's originators consulted the leadership and proposed the creation of a permanent Health Promotion and Physical Fitness Committee, explaining the merits of such a project from an operational standpoint. "The success of this program depends directly on the leadership's unconditional support. To ensure the public's support and participation, it's essential that the program be developed in a way that meets its needs," explains Major André Thivierge, the committee's chairperson.

This is why the emphasis from the outset was on flexibility and adaptability to the participants and their work environment. Moreover, the chaplain, Brigadier-General Kettle, became the project's champion. Thanks to these efforts, the staff now has a bi-annual Group Healthy Lifestyle Challenge to look forward to every February and October.

The committee's first Group Challenge was a combination of the Canadian Forces Physical Fitness Award (OAFC 50-1) and the Pedometer Challenge. Each directorate was asked to form teams of 8-10 members. The challenge was for each team member to garner as many points as possible in each of the 24 organized activities. To get points, a participant had to meet the activity's minimum performance level.

The Group Challenge ended with an award ceremony presided by BGen Kettle. The participation rate was excellent. The comment sheets show how satisfied participants were: "This is a good initiative.” “It's always good to be reminded of the importance of staying healthy.” Another participant called the Group Challenge "a good way to brighten the dreary winter days with some fun."

With a participation rate of 45%, the first ever group challenge was an inspiring success. In fact, the enthusiastic response has led to an increased use of the Coventry Sports Centre. "The Group Challenge is a flexible activity that can be adapted to every working environment. It can be very effective in creating a culture that focuses on health at every level of the organization," remarked Maj Thivierge.

Since the initiative has really caught on, other activities were held this past year. The next Group Challenge will be in October, followed by an individual challenge in January 2010.

Combine the efforts of a few innovators, a committed leadership and a devoted champion, add dynamic participants who are ready to meet the challenge, and you have everything you need for a unifying project. How about you? Are you ready to take up the challenge?

| PREVIOUS ARTICLE | NEXT ARTICLE |

MW Team Updates • Director General Personnel & Family Support Services
July 2009 • Serving Those Who Serve • www.cfpsa.com